The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) continues to investigate the deadly plane crash that occurred in Fairview, Oregon, on Saturday, August 31, 2024.
During a press conference on Tuesday, September 3, the NTSB investigators say their full investigation could take up to 18 months. Preliminary findings may be available in the coming weeks.
NTSB Air Safety Investigator Michael Hicks says a fixed wing multi-engine Cessna aircraft departed Runway 25 at the Troutdale Airport on a maintenance test flight.
During the maintenance test flight, the pilot reported issues with controllability,” Hicks said during a press conference on Tuesday. “What those issues are, we are going to find out.”
Shortly after reporting the issues, Hicks says a helicopter pilot indicated that the aircraft crashed into a residential area.
Two NTSB investigators are on scene and are working to collect evidence, such as aircraft debris and other items important to the investigation. This process can take some time as investigators are identifying debris fields and meticulously combing through impacted areas.
“We have work to do,” Hicks said, “and we are going to do it diligently.”
Initial response
At approximately 10:21 a.m., on August 31, Multnomah County sheriff's deputies and Gresham firefighters were dispatched to the 21800 block of NE Heartwood Circle after receiving multiple 911 calls of black smoke in a residential area about two miles west of the Troutdale Airport.
Multnomah County deputy sheriffs arrived in the Fairview Terrace neighborhood at approximately 10:26 a.m. and found several adjoined, three-story townhomes on fire.
“Our deputies went door-to-door evacuating people who lived inside and grabbed garden hoses to douse the flames with water until firefighters arrived,” Multnomah County Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell said.
Around 11 a.m., a deputy notified dispatch that they had located a piece of the plane at a nearby townhome.
Incident commanders notified the sheriff’s office detectives, who responded to help with the containment of the debris field, interview witnesses and coordinate with federal partners, the FBI, FAA and NTSB.
Because of the intensity of the fire and risk of fire spreading to neighboring adjoining units, the Gresham Fire Department requested a five alarm response. Each alarm consists of approximately four engines, a ladder truck and a battalion chief.
“This particular fire was well-involved, there was a collapse from the initial airplane strike,” Gresham Fire Department Chief Scott Lewis said Saturday during a media interview. “The unit where the most impact was, was a defensive approach, [spraying] water overhead from a ladder truck.”
Several agencies responded to assist the Gresham Fire Department, including: Portland Fire and Rescue, the Vancouver Fire Department, Corbett Fire Department, Clackamas Fire District 1, and Portland Airport Fire, along with American Medical Rescue (AMR).
“Their steadfast aid was the critical facet to ensuring this incident was contained quickly and did not become exponentially worse,” Lewis said on Tuesday during the press conference. “We are deeply saddened by the harrowing incident that happened this weekend.”
Gresham Fire Marshal’s Office investigators also responded to assist in the investigation.
Two people were treated at the scene with minor injuries by AMR paramedics. It was later determined that three people, one resident and two people on board the plane died as a result of the crash.
The Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s Office is working to positively identify the remains and notify their families. Once these processes are complete, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) can release the names of the deceased.
First responders also activated the Trauma Intervention Program Northwest, or TIP for short. TIP is a volunteer-based program that provides emotional first aid to survivors of tragedy. Additionally, the American Red Cross offered resources to displaced families.
Fairview Mayor Keith Kudrna says the city is committed to supporting those impacted by Saturday’s tragedy and helping to rebuild the community.
“We will continue to remain here for the residents of this community,” Kudrna said. “I’ve seen an outpouring of love and support out to the victims, and it makes me proud to represent them.”
Power service
Four Portland General Electric (PGE) transmission lines were damaged by the plane crash. The loss of the transmission lines affected service to approximately 9,500 customers.
PGE crews were at the location by 11 a.m. while grid operations worked on rerouting power to restore service. By approximately 3 p.m., PGE says service was restored to all customers able to receive power.
Once it was safe to do so, and NTSB gave clearance, PGE crews began damage assessment and repair efforts late in the day on August 31. Repairs to the affected transmission lines were complete with the lines re-energized by 10 p.m. on Monday, September 2.
Looking ahead
Once the NTSB, and its partners the FAA and FBI, have gathered and removed all evidence from the scene, the neighborhood will be returned to local control.
People living in or near Fairview Terrace will continue to see a law enforcement presence until the on-scene investigative work is completed. There is no estimated turnover date as investigations vary case-by-case.
Source: Multnomah County Sheriff's Office